In this first episode of Hydro Heroes Unite, I sit down with Miya — a mother of three whose youngest daughter Mila lives with hydrocephalus and cerebral palsy. Miya opens up about navigating a four-month NICU stay with newborn twins during the pandemic, while also parenting a toddler at home.

We explore what survival mode really looks like, what comes after crisis, and how Miya stays grounded in the long game of raising a child with special medical needs. This conversation is raw, real, and incredibly powerful.

Topics we cover include:

- NICU life with preemie twins
- Balancing home and hospital during COVID
- Processing trauma after survival
- Self-care, grief, and advocacy
- The strength of doing “just one day” at a time

Resources:

- Hydro Hero Shout-Out Form

Resources relevant to today’s conversation curtesy of the Hydrocephalus Association:

Shunt Systems Article: https://www.hydroassoc.org/shunt-systems/

Shunt Malfunction FAQs Article: https://www.hydroassoc.org/shunt-malfunctions-frequently-asked-questions/

Complications of Shunt System Article: https://www.hydroassoc.org/complications-of-shunt-systems/

Developing an Emergency Plan for Hydrocephalus Complications Article: https://www.hydroassoc.org/emergency-plan-for-hydrocephalus-complications/

Ask the Expert Video: Barometric Pressure https://www.hydroassoc.org/ask-the-expert-video-series-barometric-pressure-and-hydrocephalus/

Find a Doctor - HA Physicians' Directory: https://www.hydroassoc.org/physicians-directory/

Traveling and Hydrocephalus Article: https://www.hydroassoc.org/traveling-with-hydrocephalus/

Download HydroAssist® Mobile Application - https://www.hydroassoc.org/hydroassist/

Essential Guide: Developmental Milestones in Hydrocephalus Article: https://www.hydroassoc.org/developmental-milestones-in-hydrocephalus/

Your Healthcare Team Article: https://www.hydroassoc.org/your-healthcare-team-2/

Search HA's Hydrocephalus Resource Library: https://www.hydroassoc.org/hydrocephalus-library/

Parent Resources: https://www.hydroassoc.org/parent-hydrocephalus-resources/

Get Support: https://www.hydroassoc.org/get-support/

Caring for the Caregiver Article: https://www.hydroassoc.org/caring-for-the-caregiver/

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Join us on social media:

Taisha: @taishaycameron

HA: @hydroassoc